IN THE LOOP. SOCIAL STUDIES.

Let's hear it for traditions

December 16, 2001|By In the Loop reported by Christine Badowski, Brenda Butler and Patrick T. Reardon.

Event: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine's annual award dinner at the Hilton Chicago & Towers hotel. To benefit: The medical school in Maywood (about 8,000 to 9,000 students compete for 130 openings in the first-year class). Background note: This is Chicago's oldest and largest black-tie gala, begun in 1948 in honor of Chicago's then-Cardinal Samuel Stritch. Consequently and historically: In keeping with tradition, Cardinal Francis George was in attendance. The masses: More than 1,400 guests. Dollars raised: More than $800,000.